Trapping

[Rush2112]

the pdf file are some more sample trap set ups and a diagram of a box trap.

make snares out of wire when possible. Has to be reasonable thickness for the game you are seeking.use heavier wire for anything bigger than rabbit-size game. i highly recommend buying professional snares for larger game. they last a long time.

the idea is to hold the animal without killing it. so be aware of the tension on the line, too much and you'll whip the animal off the ground snapping its neck or maybe ripping the head off. for example, if its warm outside and you set the traps in the evening and catch something soon but dont come back for 10 hours to check your traps, that meat is probably spoiled.

you dont have to use a spring pole, can use a stake in the ground, or just tie to a tree, rock, etc. especially on a animal path or right outside its den/burrow.

tips: try to use live tree saplings instead of cut sticks for the spring pole. sticks may have lots of tension at first, but after being held in the same position for some time the tension drops dramatically, especially in cold weather. try to disguise the snare using twigs, leaves, etc. animals do not want to put their head in a noose. use whatever bait you have available. my favorite all purpose bait is bread/crackers/cereal with a little olive oil and sugar. have used tuna fish, but seems the animals arent interested until its sat out for a few days and is really rotten.

i know most people have zero experience with trapping, but dont be intimidated. even if trapping is illegal in your area, you can go try it in the woods, just set it, try it with a stuffed animal or something, then take it all apart. no harm done. trapping is much more effective than hunting. the traps work for you around the clock. burns a whole lot less calories walking around looking for game. - just ask Wildman, in one of his posts he describes setting a few traps, then setting up camp, and when they were done had a couple rabbits already caught.
the traps were working for him while he did other work.